Harvey Walter McLaughlin Jr.
Harvey Walter McLaughlin Jr., age 48, of Crestview, Fla., passed away Sunday, Dec. 20, 1998, in Statesboro, Ga.
Mr. McLaughlin was a lifelong resident of Okaloosa County, Fla., and retired from civil service at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Crestview Ward.
Mr. McLaughlin is survived by his wife, DeAnna Kaye McLaughlin of Douglas Ville, Ga.; son, Bryan Kirk McLaughlin; daughters, Lazette Mae McLaughlin, Lelana Kaye McLaughlin, Lorna Rae McLaughlin and Leah McLaughlin, all of Douglas Ville; and half-brother, Joseph McLaughlin Kierce of Baker, Fla. He leaves one grandchild. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Harvey W. McLaughlin Sr. and Inez B. McLaughlin.
A time of visitation will be Tuesday from 1:30 p.m. until funeral service time at 3 p.m. from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Crestview Ward, with Bishop Erick White officiating. Burial will follow at Beaver Creek Cemetery, Baker, Fla.
McLaughlin-Aultman Funeral Home, Crestview, is in charge of arrangements.
Clarence Buckner
Clarence Buckner, age 85, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., died Sunday, Dec. 20, 1998, at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center following an extended illness.
Graveside services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23, at Marvin Chapel Cemetery with the Rev. Cecil Jackson officiating and James and Lipford Funeral Home of Graceland, Fla., directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Mr. Buckner was born in Headland, Ala., on Oct. 17, 1913. He was a retired truck driver with R.A. Jones Co. and a member of Brook David Baptist Church in Columbus, Ga.
He is survived by his daughters, Marcia Kelley of Fort Walton Beach, and Judith Lungstrum of Shalimar, Fla.; brother, Samuel Buckner of Panama City, Fla.; sister, Jewel Shine of Atlanta; and granddaughter, Tamara Kelley of Fort Walton Beach.
Ellis B. Basford
Ellis B. Basford, age 72, of Niceville, Fla., passed away Monday, Dec. 21, 1998, at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center.
Mr. Basford was born in Calhoun County, Fla., and had resided in Niceville for the past 46 years. He was a retired supervisor and forestry technician with civil service at Jackson Guard with 26 years of service and had also worked with the city of Niceville as the maintenance supervisor. Mr. Basford was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and a member of VFW Post 190 in Valparaiso, Fla. He was also a longtime member of the Pinelake Church of Christ in Niceville.
He is survived by his wife of 491/2 years, Estelle H. Basford; his children, Beth Basford Hart and her husband Martin of Crestview, Fla., Johnny Basford and his wife Vicky of Wimauma, Fla., Patrick G. Basford and his wife Brenda of Pensacola, Fla.; and his six grandchildren, Amanda and Amber Hart, Jennifer, Jamie, Lauren, and Dylan Basford.
Funeral services will be held at the Pinleake Church of Christ in Niceville on Wednesday at 11 a.m. with Mr. Scott McCown and Mr. Terry Hanna officiating. Interment will follow beginning at 3 p.m. at the Bailey Cemetery near Clarksville, Fla. Family and friends will meet at the cemetery.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the church.
Floral contributions are accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the Pinelake Church of Christ Mission Trust Fund, 801 E. John Sims Pkwy., Niceville, FL 32578.
McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home, Niceville, entrusted with arrangements.
Louise Rebecca Bell
Louise Rebecca Bell, age 82, died Monday, Dec. 21, 1998, at Westwood Retirement Center.
Louise Rebecca Bell was born on Oct. 11, 1916, in Alexandria, Va., to Henry R. and Tannie Loving Runaldue. She lived most of her life in Alexandria, Va., Irvington, N.J., and Washington D.C. Louise had lived at Westwood Retirement Center in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., since 1991.
She first worked for the National Geographic Society and during World War II for the U.S. government with her office being in the new Pentagon building. After that, Louise worked as a telephone operator in the Virginia and New Jersey area. She helped in the development of the first telephone unions, serving as a union steward on many occasions. In 1964, she started a new career as a resident apartment manager with her husband Clarence until his death in 1973. After that she became assistant resident manager of the Columbia Plaza Apartment complex in Washington D.C., until her retirement in 1985.
Louise was very musically inclined and played the piano and organ. In her early years, she played for a local radio station in Alexandria and in the local community. She always was a joy to be around and gave that extra care and understanding to friends and relatives. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Louise is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, retired Col. George and Elizabeth Newton of Navarre, Fla.; four grandchildren, Caroline and John Newton of Navarre,Tiffany Newton and Nicole Newton Zampiello; and one great-grandchild, Kyler Zampiello of Fairfax County, Va.; her sister, Charlotte Thomasson of Winchester, Va.; and brother, Martin Richard Runaldue of Manassae, Va.; also several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at Everly-Wheatley Funeral home in Alexandria, Va.
McLaughlin Mortuary is in charge of local arrangements.
Alan A. Stokesberry
In loving memory of Alan A. "Tony" Stokesberry.
Tony Stokesberry was brought into our world June 21, 1948, in Sacramento, Calif., and left us in the home of his sister, Kristine Souder, on Dec. 19, 1998. Tony was 50 years old and was ill for some time.
Tony is survived by his sister, Kristine Souder; his brother, Chris Martinez, both of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; also a sister, Sheila Anderson of Salt Lake City, whom he never had a chance to meet. Other survivors are his niece, Melody Hand of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.; nephew, Mike Hand of Valparaiso, Fla.; grandniece, Kayley Tiffin of Santa Rosa Beach. Tony also had a son, Richard Stokesberry of New York, whom he hadn't seen for some years. Other survivors reside in the Idaho area.
Tony served four years in the U.S. Navy, and served in the war. He was given an honorable discharge.
Memorial services will be held at Tony's sister's home in Fort Walton Beach.
There will be a military ceremony at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Fla., where he will be at rest.
Mary Hall LaLander
Mrs. Mary Hall LaLander, age 77, of Fort Walton Beach, passed away Sunday morning, Dec. 27, 1921, at her residence. Mrs. LaLander was born Oct. 18, 1998, in Graceville, Fla., to the late James W. and Dovie Hall. She moved to Fort Walton Beach in 1958 from Graceville, where she was a member of the Graceville Baptist Church. Mrs. LaLander was a homemaker and a member of the Elketts B.P.O.E. 1795 Lodge.
Mrs. LaLander is survived by her husband, John L. LaLander, of Fort Walton Beach; five nieces and two nephews.
Funeral services for Mrs. LaLander will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, 1998, in the Emerald Coast Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Danny Adkison officiating. Interment will follow in Beal Memorial Cemetery. The family will greet friends at the funeral home from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, 1998, with an Elketts service at 6:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Elks Children Hospital in Umatilla, Fla.; Hospice of Northwest Florida, 1005 West College Boulevard, Suite B, Niceville, Fla., 32578, or to the charity of your choice in memory of Mrs. Mary LaLander.
Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road N.E., Fort Walton Beach, Fla., 32547, is in charge of the arrangements.
Johann "John" Gal
Johann "John" Gal, age 69, of Bluewater Bay, Fla., passed away unexpectedly at his home on Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 1998.
John was born to the late Rosina Imbert Gal and Martin Gal on June 30, 1929, in what was then known as Transylvania. During World War II, he and his family were evacuated to Austria. In 1950, he emigrated to the United States, where he settled near Youngstown, Ohio. Following his term of military service with the Army's 43rd Infantry Division from 1950 to 1953, he was employed by Commercial Shearing in Ohio while attending the Shenango Valley School of Business.
In 1956, John joined the postal service, where he rose through the ranks to become a vehicle operation analyst.
John was an active member of the Alliance of Transylvanian Saxons, having been selected as the group's "Man of the Year" in 1985. Over the years, he served the organization in a number of capacities, including stints as his local club's recording secretary, treasurer, building committee member, and leader of the group's 1978 tour of Germany and Austria.
John was preceded in death by two brothers, George Bredt and John Bredt. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, the former Maria Hesch. He leaves behind a son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Connie Gal of Cocoa Beach, and a daughter and son-in-law, Marlene and Shawn Sheridan of Jacksonville. John was the beloved grandfather of five grandchildren: Michael and Caitlin Sheridan and Stephanie, Kristin, and Ricky Gal. He will be deeply missed by hundreds of friends and neighbors who knew him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and loyal friend.
Throughout his life, John was a good and faithful servant to his church and community. While in Youngstown, he served on the Honterus Lutheran Church council for 20 years in various positions, including president. He also led the German worship services for several years while the congregation was between ministers.
After moving to Niceville, Fla., in 1991, the Gals joined St. Paul Lutheran Church, where he served as a trustee for six years. John served as the treasurer of the Parkwood Homeowners' Association, and as the treasurer of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE).
The family will receive friends on Monday, Dec. 28 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 29 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Niceville. Floral tributes will be accepted, or donations may be made to the Saint Paul Memorial Fund.
Harriet E. Ragland
Harriet E. Ragland, 87, of Valparaiso, Fla., went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Dec. 24, 1998. She was a native of Newburgh, N.Y., but resided in Valparaiso for the past 35 years where, before retiring, she had been a bridal consultant. She was a member of the Valparaiso Garden Club and she attended Chapel No. 2 on Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.
She is survived by her husband, Marvin L. Ragland, of Valparaiso; her daughter, Betty Morton, of Fairfield Glade, Tenn; her granddaughter, Ann Lorriane, of Fairport, N.Y. and one nephew and one half-sister.
The family will receive friends at the McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home in Niceville on Monday, Dec. 28, 1998 between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at the McLaughlin Twin Cities Chapel on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 1998 at 10 a.m. with Chaplain James Jordan officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Cemetery, Valparaiso.
McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home, Niceville, entrusted with arrangements.
Gerald Ron Wilkerson
Gerald Ron Wilkerson, age 23, died Saturday, Dec. 26, 1998, in DeFuniak Springs, Fla. Born on Aug. 15, 1975, in Opp, Ala., he was Baptist by faith and attended First Baptist Church of DeFuniak Springs. Ron was a lifelong resident of DeFuniak Springs. He was a senior at Troy State University, majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology. Ron was a graduate of Walton County High School in 1994 where he lettered in both football and baseball. He loved his family, friends, sports, weightlifting and his dog, Beepers. He lived life to its fullest.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Edith Wilkerson, and paternal grandfather, Morton Wilkerson, and also his maternal grandmother, Fay Brown, and maternal grandfather, Sam Brown.
He is survived by his father, Gerald Wilkerson, of DeFuniak Springs, and his mother and stepfather, Teresa Williams and Kenny Williams, of Crestview, Fla.; one stepbrother, Shawn Williams, of Crestview, Fla.; several aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, 1998, at the First Baptist Church DeFuniak Springs with Rev. Danny Taylor and Rev. Herbert Patterson officiating. Burial will follow in Cluster Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.
A time of visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 28, 1998, in the Clary-Godwin Funeral Home Chapel, 230 Park Ave., DeFuniak Springs.
Pall bearers will be: Tony Prater, Jason Price, Jason Nowling, Bradley Barefield and Shelby Truett.
Clary-Godwin Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
William M. Phillips
William M. "Sarge" Phillips, U.S. Army retired, age 77, of Valparaiso, Fla., died Thursday, Dec. 24, 1998.
Mr. Phillips was a native of Roanoke, Ala., and had resided in Valparaiso for the past 30 years, where he was a lifetime member of DAV.
He is survived by four sons; three daughters; two sisters; and numerous grandchildren.
Graveside services, with military honors, will be held at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Fla.
The family requests flowers be omitted, and donations in his memory be made to a favorite charity.
The care of Mr. Phillips was entrusted to Milton Funeral Home.
Branson Alexander Jenkins
Branson Alexander Jenkins, infant son of Peggy and Bobby Jenkins of Destin, Fla., passed away at Eglin Air Force Base Hospital on Dec. 27, 1998.
Branson is survived by his parents; maternal grandparents, Philip and Catharine Branson Jr. of Destin; and his paternal grandfather, Bobby E. Jenkins Sr. of Syracuse, Ind.
Funeral services for Branson will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, at Destin United Methodist Church with Dr. John Friedman officiating. Interment will follow in Destin Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Sacred Heart Children's Hospital in Pensacola, Fla., in memory of Branson Jenkins.
Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road N.E., Fort Walton Beach, Fla., is in charge of arrangements.
George C. Clevenger
George C. Clevenger, age 66, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., passed away Dec. 27, 1998, in a Jacksonville, Fla., hospital.
He was born on June 1, 1932, in Kokomo, Ind., and had been a resident of this area for the past 12 years. He was Methodist by faith. Mr. Clevenger was a veteran and had honorably served his country in both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force. He retired after 20 years of service.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Jacquelyn J. Clevenger, in April of this year. Survivors include his son, Brett C. Clevenger; daughter, Sandra J. Rushing; brother, Danny Clevenger; and grandchildren, David R. Barr II and Kimberly L. Barr.
A time of visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, at Little Chapel Funeral Home. Graveside services will be conducted at 1:15 p.m. Thursday at Barrancas National Cemetery, with a military chaplain officiating and full military honors.
Little Chapel Funeral Home, 910 Beal Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach, entrusted with arrangements.
Erlean Britton
Erlean Britton, age 47, of Crestview, Fla., passed away Saturday, Dec. 26, 1998, at her home.
She was a native of Gainesville, Fla., and had lived in Crestview since 1987. Mrs. Britton worked at Dollar General Store in Crestview. She was a faithful and dedicated member of Victorious Life Worship Center in Crestview.
Survivors include her husband, Stanley Britton; daughter, Angie Britton of Crestview; mother, Doris Stanley of Gainesville; brothers and sister-in-law, Mullis Stanley, Edward and Lou Snow, and William Stanley, all of Jacksonville, Fla.; sisters-in-law and their husbands, Tena and Ray Ard of Holt, Fla., and Patricia and Tom Kaltenbach of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; sister-in-law, Elaine Casey of Pensacola, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, at Victorious Life Worship Center, 851 N. Wilson St., Crestview, with the Rev. Donnie Cadenhead officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services.
Flowers are appreciated, or contributions may be made to Victorious Life Worship Center Building Fund.
Brackney Funeral Service, Crestview, is in charge of arrangements.
Margaret A. Humes
Margaret A. Humes, age 79, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., was called home Monday, Dec . 28, 1998.
She was born on March 21, 1919, in Jefferson County, Ohio, and was the daughter of John and Ella Wetherell.
She is survived by a sister, Dorothy Bell of New Alexandria, Ohio; daughters and sons-in-law, Joyce and David Amos of Crestview, Fla., Jacqueline and Larry McAtee of Seligman, Ariz., and Jean and Paul Heiser of Williams, Ariz.; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted at Live Oak Baptist Church at 2 p.m. Wednesday with the Rev. Bill White officiating.
Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Mrs. Humes will be placed in the church from 1 to 2 p.m.
Whitehurst Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
